GEORGETOWN — As the Fourth of July approaches, Chief Fred A. Mitchell Jr. and the Georgetown Fire Department remind residents that buying or using fireworks in the state of Massachusetts is prohibited, and that misusing them can cause lasting injuries.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.”

Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Residents are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

Additionally, while the government cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

“Watching fireworks with family and friends is a high point for many people on the Fourth of July, but please leave it to licensed professionals,” said Chief Mitchell. “Possessing or using fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts, and handling them improperly can result in serious injuries, or worse.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2007-2016, there were 826 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, five fire service injuries and an estimated loss of $1.8 million.

In addition to injuries, the sound created by fireworks exploding can cause stress, which can be experienced by people who may be sensitive to loud noises, such as the elderly and veterans who may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Pets may also be susceptible to such noises.

This does not mean residents cannot enjoy fireworks displays over the course of the summer. However, Chief Mitchell recommends that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

Residents should also remember to:

Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance

Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks

Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters

Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.

Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2007-2016 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.

Anyone who has questions about fireworks or firework safety should contact the Georgetown Fire Department at 978-352-5757.

GEORGETOWN – With the Fourth of July approaching, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department are reminding residents that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, and encourage the community to comply with state fireworks laws.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Citizens are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and then transporting them into the state.

Additionally, while the government cannot prohibit the advertising and sale of fireworks by mail, police can and will confiscate illegal shipments. Many consumers attempting to circumvent the law have lost both their money and their fireworks.

“We are asking residents to refrain from purchasing fireworks this summer. If you are caught with fireworks, police can and will confiscate them,” Chief Mitchell said. “You could also receive a fine of up to $100.”

The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports that from 2006-2015, there were 775 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System. These incidents caused 11 civilian injuries, four fire service injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $1.8 million.

“There is a common misconception that fireworks are simple and easy to use,” Chief Mitchell said. “Fireworks can cause serious harm and injury if handled incorrectly.”

Chief Mitchell recommends that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety for all.

Residents should also remember to:

Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.

Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.

Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.

Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, loss of limbs or extremities, contusions, lacerations and eye injuries.

Fifty-one percent of fireworks-related burn injuries reported by hospitals to the Office of the State Fire Marshal from 2006-2015 were to children under age 18. More than a quarter of the victims were children under age 10.

“Fire officials across the state urge everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the many public displays supervised by local fire departments,” State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said. “Be sure to set a good example for your children. They will imitate what you do and there are better places to the spend the holiday than the emergency room.”